Carries Book Reviews

Trillionaire Boys’ Club: The Connector
Aubrey Parker
Publication date: November 1st 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance

People say money can’t buy love. Fortunately, it can buy everything else.

My name is Nathan Turner. I’m the best networker in the world, and I make big deals happen.

Right now, I’m bringing together the most powerful people on the planet. When the group is complete, we’ll have a pool of over one trillion dollars.

Internally, we call ourselves the Syndicate. But within the Syndicate is another group — a smaller group of bad-boy billionaires who the press already knows and loves.

We call ourselves the Trillionaire Boys’ Club. The Syndicate controls the world, and we control the Syndicate.

There’s only one man standing in my way.

And now there’s this girl in my way, too — this 18-year-old freshman who seems to think she knows my business better than I do.

Fortunately, there are ways to deal with both of them.

The Connector is the first book in the Trillionaire Boys Club series by Aubrey Parker. Each book tells the story of another of the Club’s members … so pay close attention, because you’re going to want to collect them all.

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EXCERPT:

IT’S ANNOYING, THE WAY I keep checking my Patek Philippe watch — and the rhodium and carbon fiber clock on the mantle — as two o’clock nears.

I have things to do. A million things to do. I don’t even have time to check my email, and that’s where so many connections are made. I’ve automated everything to save time: set it up once, then taught Geoffrey how to either do it himself or outsource it to someone competent.

That’s the way my calls and texts are handled, the way my appointments are made and my social calendar is taken care of. But the Syndicate has changed everything — all of the things I used to do are now like chores in the background. That’s right in a way; I hustled to amass my first billion, but now I’m playing a game that’s literally a thousand times bigger.

My day-to-day won’t matter at all when my network’s worth reaches a trillion. Then I could burn all that I’ve built, and it wouldn’t matter at all.

I’m so busy these days, I don’t stand for my own tailoring. Geoffrey found a guy with my exact build, tried an alteration on one of my suits, then calibrated once I found time to try them on. Now I use that same stand-in for all of my tailoring, because I’m too busy to stand in one place.

I barely attend my own meetings. I don’t answer my own phone.

I have to do my own workouts, unfortunately, but I have three personal trainers, a nutritionist, a cook, and several cross-discipline instructors for the sports I enjoy most, all at my disposal to tell me exactly what to do and when.

Geoffrey translates vague descriptions of clothing into wardrobe choices for the next day so that I don’t have to think.

Every fucking second is accounted for. My life has no wasted moments.

Yet here I am, sitting on my sofa with my laptop, ignoring the work at hand.

I keep looking at my watch, and glancing at the clock. Waiting for a knock from the single person the doorman has been instructed to allow entry.

She’s one minute late.

She’s two minutes late.

I thought about her all night long.

Alex Wynn is a distraction. I keep saying that to Geoffrey. But even though he’s supposed to be my gatekeeper — the man who has more sense than me sometimes, whose job is in part to save me from myself — Geoffrey’s done nothing to prevent this. I told him that I wanted to start coaching Alex, because if she was going to nose her way into my stuff, she should at least know what she’s doing. I told him that Alex was a wildcard, and that her unpredictability could sink us if she isn’t properly molded — taught the Nathan Turner way of doing things.

Geoffrey should have nodded, said, “Yes, Nathan, I agree,” and then set her up with any one of the faceless minions beneath me. She could have earned a real-world education that would eclipse the bullshit she’s learning in school, and it wouldn’t have cost her a dime. It all could have happened without my involvement, just a random series of emails or texts.

Instead, I answered when Alex called earlier. And I made the appointment.

Geoffrey sees it all and says nothing. He lets Alex sink her hooks in me, as if he’s trying to sabotage all that I’ve built.

I thought of her on my drive — alone, in my Bugatti — back to the office yesterday.

I thought about her through the rest of my demolished afternoon.

I thought about her over dinner, wondering what slop she was eating in her cafeteria while I ate charred lamb leg, with gnocco alla romana, shaved fennel, celery and vincotto. I even considered calling her to start our lessons early. If she’s to be my student, the least I should do is teach her to eat finer foods.

I thought about her in the evening.

I thought about her all night long, and then all day until she called — with me, Nathan Fucking Turner, waiting by the phone like a pathetic teenager.

Celeste also called, following her earlier thank-you for my college speaking gig with an offer to pay a visit. I know the code; her “visits” end in sweat and spent fluids. But I turn her down, tell her I’m busy. I don’t even know why until I’ve hung up, again answering my own phone even though I shouldn’t.

My mind continues to cycle.

Alex turns me on so much, it’s hard to think. I find her so hot, I feel practically sunburned. But it’s more than that.

I wonder if it’s that I think she could be an asset to the company. She has guts. Oblivious to the truth that she’s in over her head, she keeps right on swimming. She’s tough. She’s hard. She’s pushed back every time I’ve squared off against her. I dragged her into a closet to shout her down, but she stared me in the eye and backed me into a corner.

Nobody stares me down.

Nobody challenges my decisions or commands.

Nobody takes me by the balls, because I’m always three steps ahead.

Nobody but Alex.

Author Bio:

I love to write stories with characters that feel real enough to friend on Facebook, or slap across the face. I write to make you feel, think, and burn with the thrill that can only come from getting lost in the pages. I love to write unforgettable characters who wrestle with life’s largest problems. My books may always end with a Happily Ever After, but there will always be drama on the way there.

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A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After coming out of a bad relationship Dakota Parker’s new motto is chocolate and animals are much better than men. So now Dakota works part time in the at the local chocolate shop and volunteers at the animal shelter. Her mission, to find forever homes for all of her fur buddies that are up for adoption.

Bryce Grayson has come to Marietta to help out his father after a construction accident caused him to break both of his legs. During his time in town Bryce has decided it’s time for his father to pack up and move to Seattle with Bryce but Bryce’s father has other ideas and plans a few chance meetings with Dakota to try to set up the pair.

A Thankful Heart is the second book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series taking place in the lovely town of Marietta, Montana. Anyone following my reviews knows I’m a huge fan of any of the series taking place in this lovely small town, especially during the holiday season so it’s no surprise that I did enjoy this one too.

Dakota is working in the chocolate shop part time but the story mainly focuses on her rescue work and trying to adopt out the animals so while we get a few mentions of the previous chocolate shop characters the story expands the small town even more bringing in the shelter which is nice, I love a read with some cute critters involved.

For me the one complaint I could think of with this book was it took so long for Dakota and Bryce to come together in this story. While I’m glad it’s not an instant relationship in this type of read Bryce stayed stubborn for most of the story to the point I was beginning to dislike him.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

One More Breath
Amber Garr
Publication date: November 1st 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Sydney Westbrook has had enough.

After a fight with her abusive ex-boyfriend leaves her in the hospital once again, she knows it’s time for a change. Just out of college, Sydney decides to accept a position as a live-in nurse. But leaving the comfort of Atlanta and the support of her small circle of friends is hard to do. And when she meets her ailing, stubborn client, Sydney second guesses all of her choices.

A southern family with a social status to maintain, the McNamara’s think very little of Sydney, especially since she reminds Mrs. McNamara so much of the daughter-in-law she never accepted. But when Sydney encounters Quinn, the defiant grandson, her views of the family begin to change. And her heart begins to heal the hole left behind by the abuse.

Sydney and Quinn may have little time together, but they make the most out of it. A public display of their relationship is short-lived when Sydney learns just how far her client will go to save her family’s namesake. And when Sydney’s past suddenly rips into her new world, her happiness with Quinn threatens to come to an end.

But truth and friendship will help Sydney finally live the life she’s chosen while loving the one she chose.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

The music changed to something fast. Way too fast. The dancer in me watched the feet of the couples who obviously knew what they were doing. Two forward steps, two back, and then one, one, merengue. Okay, got it.

Quinn’s hand rested comfortably against my lower back, his fingers spreading wide enough to graze the top of my behind and hit the open back of my dress. Shivers trickled over my skin despite my sharp focus on the dance floor.

“You ready?” Quinn’s hot breath against my ear melted my insides. That was it. I was pure mush for this guy I hardly knew. Might as well enjoy it.

“Are you a good dancer?” I lifted my cheek toward his lips so that he could see the side of my face. A wave of boldness ripped over my bones. I was young. Single. Quinn was gorgeous, smart, and savvy. We could have a lot of fun together.

“So I’ve been told.” His lips brushed my face as he repeated the same words I’d heard in the garden.

With a smile and a new-found sense of confidence, I channeled my inner-Cass and pulled Quinn onto the dance floor. I heard him laughing behind me as we weaved in and out of the gyrating bodies. In just a few strides, Quinn had wrapped both hands around my hips, guiding us to an empty spot. If I was being honest with myself, I may have pushed back against him a little more than necessary, enjoying the hardness of his abs and the slightly possessive way he held on to me.

Once we found a space large enough for the two of us, I turned and wrapped my arms over his shoulders. His height required me to reach higher than I would have normally been able to, so I was extremely grateful for the high heels.

“Let’s do this,” Quinn said. With a quick snap of his hands, he yanked me even closer to him and began moving his hips. I stared into his eyes, feeling lost in an ocean of teals and turquoise. The beat soared through me, my hips lining up perfectly with his as we swayed.

At first, we didn’t move our feet, just enjoyed the feeling of each other’s bodies against each other. Quinn leaned forward far enough to rest his forehead against mine, neither of us taking our eyes off each other. The move was so…intimate, so personal, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t pulled away yet. Perhaps it was from the two shots of tequila and half a vodka martini. Or maybe it was because Quinn had this instant ability to make me feel safe and secure when I’d always experienced fear before.

As the beat got louder and the music began to ramp up for the final chorus, Quinn smiled down at me. “Okay, let’s go.”

Without another warning, he pulled me around the floor, blending with the rest of the couples. I worked on my foot placement, being careful to let him lead and not step on his feet at the same time. The music pulsed around me like a veil, blocking out all of my insecurities and allowing me to get lost in the moment. In no time at all, we were laughing and smiling and rubbing against each other in a way that might even make Cass blush.

Author Bio:

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award

winner, author of the bestselling Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, the award-winning Water Crisis Chronicles and Georgia Girls Series, as well as the Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

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Her Christmas Cowboy by Katherine Garbera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lane Scott has returned to his hometown of Marietta, Montana just in time for the holidays but hasn’t been feeling festive after he lost his legs in combat while serving in the Marines. Felicity Danvers has been hiding from her Christmas obsessed mother when she runs into Lane whom she’d had a huge crush on back in high school.

Lane had tried to ask Felicity out several times in high school but Felicity was so shy she could only say no out of fear. Now that the pair are adults Lane is still interested but Felicity is more afraid than ever to do or say the wrong thing around him and coming out of a terrible relationship she feels like she couldn’t ever be worthy of his love.

Her Christmas Cowboy is the 5th book in the Scott Brothers series with each of the books featuring a different brother and his love interest. While I’ve read several books set in Marietta, Montana during the holiday season I haven’t read this entire series but each of the books usually read fine as standalone novels with just mentions of previous characters and settings in the town.

For anyone that is a lover of all things Christmas then any of the wonderful books taking place in Marietta, Montana seem to bring the season to life so wonderfully. The town has so many events and a small town vibe that is always fun to read about. The couple in this story were both lovely people that I couldn’t help but want to see get their happy ending too which made this a great read.

Overall, another lovely Christmas romance in Marietta, Montana, a small town with wonderful holiday charm.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Thread That Binds the Bones by Nina Kiriki Hoffman
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

After an incident where Tom Renfield had to reveal his abilities he finds himself moving to a new town to hide away who he is and his powers. Taking a job as a cab driver Tom finds himself picking up Laura Bolte and finding himself heading straight into the midst of a powerful magical ancient family in Chapel Hollow.

Laura and Tom finds themselves drawn together by supernatural forces that the pair doesn’t understand so now Tom finds himself a part of the Bolte clan that has been terrorizing the small Oregon town of Arcadia. Laura and Tom find themselves trying to find a way to protect the innocent citizens.

Going into The Thread That Binds the Bones I had thought that this one was a young adult read but quickly found that I was mistaken on that. The main characters immediately are showering together and married and consummating the relationship within hours of meeting so I got off to a bit of a rocky start wondering what I’d gotten into with this one.

Once the magic starts being given depth in the story it did grab my interest piecing together how things worked since it did seem a bit unique. But unfortunately as much as I liked the magic in the story then other events happen that I didn’t quite care for which then brought my opinion back down again.

In the end I wasn’t a huge fan of this one, some good things but more than I wasn’t enjoying so I decided on 2.5 stars. I would warn of a lot of things to anyone interested in reading this story. There’s the instant connection involved straight away but for most the problem would lie in the terrible acts committed such as rape in the story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.